A Gala Day With the Shippeys - 1883

A Gala Day With the Shippeys

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, July 11, 1883

 

About eighty-one years ago there located in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the Great Brook from the Rhode Island settlement in the town of Norwich, Mr. Ezekiel Shippey and his wife, Rachel, who were among the first settlers, and did much toward the clearing up of that section.  They have long since been gathered to their Fathers', but during their successful career they were blessed with a family of ten children, five boys and five girls, seven of whom are still living [in 1883], Orange M., New Berlin village; Paul G., Michigan; George P., New Berlin village; John I., New Berlin, Great Brook, M.V. Pennsylvania; Finetta R. Wilbur, Milford and Mary Gorham, Sidney.

 

On Saturday last this family held a reunion and picnic at Silver Lake, together with their descendants to the number of thirty-four, embracing three generations, and it was probably one of the grandest and pleasantest affairs ever held in this valley.  It had been some forty years since the original members of the family had been together, and one can well imagine with what pleasure it was that they were privileged to once more meet and talk over old times and scenes of by-gone years.

 

It was a grand sight to witness this large company of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all seated at one long table partaking of the bountiful supply of refreshments and delicacies provided for the occasion; and then, too, with what earnestness and enthusiasm did they all listen to an address by Paul G., in his reminiscences or genealogy of the family.  He seems to have obtained considerable data in regard to the ancestors of his family and could it be published, we have no doubt of its interesting facts being read with pleasure by your readers.

 

After the repast amusements of various kinds, such as boat rowing, quoit pitching, etc., were indulged in, and at sunset all returned to the village well pleased as having passed one of the pleasantest and most enjoyable days in their remembrance.

 

They wish us to state that they feel under obligations to Mr. Peleg Brown for courtesies extended in the use of the beautiful grove and the boats on the lake; also to Mr. John Bivyan for the general management of the affair in getting the company together and the supervision of the tables.

 

There was only one draw back to mar the pleasure of the occasion and that was the absence of their brother, Michael, who was here but a short time ago, and was now unable to be present.